Biruni University is a private foundation university in Istanbul, established in 2014 by the Dünya Education Foundation. Its campus is in Zeytinburnu, on the European side of the city, and the university is best known for its programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and health sciences.
Why international students choose Biruni University
- The most international student body among private universities in Turkey – 12,804 international students in 2024–2025, according to Council of Higher Education (YÖK) data.
- Strong focus on health sciences – medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, physiotherapy and other health programs, supported by the university’s teaching hospital facilities.
- Programs in English and Turkish – check the language of each program in the table on this page.
- Central location – Zeytinburnu is well connected to the rest of Istanbul by metro, tram and Marmaray.
About Biruni University
Biruni University was founded in Istanbul in 2014 by the World Education Foundation. It is named after the medieval scholar al-Biruni. The university opened with six faculties and one vocational school. Today it has seven faculties: Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Health Sciences, Engineering and Natural Sciences, Education, and Applied Sciences, plus a vocational school and a graduate school.
The main campus is in the Merkezefendi neighbourhood of Zeytinburnu, on the European side of Istanbul. Health sciences are a major focus. Biruni University Hospital opened in 2016 and is linked to the Faculty of Medicine, and Biruni University Dental Hospital is linked to the Faculty of Dentistry. The university also runs Biruni Technopark (2021) and the BAMER scientific research center (2024).
Popular programs for international students
Biruni’s English-taught options are mainly in health and engineering. The university’s international office lists these bachelor’s programs as taught in English:
- Medicine (MD)
- Dentistry
- Pharmacy
- Nursing
- Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Molecular Biology and Genetics
- Computer Engineering and Biomedical Engineering
If you want to study medicine, dentistry or pharmacy, see our guide to studying medicine in Turkey in English. You can compare all programs on our program search page.
Campus and student life
Biruni has one central campus in Zeytinburnu. Its library has a 24/7 reading room, group study areas, individual study cabins and computer facilities. The sports center has a fully equipped gym, a basketball and volleyball court, and dance and Pilates studios. The university also has a student dormitory for female and male students, opened in 2024. The Directorate of Internationalization helps international students with residence permits, health insurance and bank accounts. The TÖMER language center teaches Turkish.
Frequently asked questions
Is Biruni University recognized?
Yes. Biruni University is a foundation (non-profit private) university approved by YÖK, the Council of Higher Education of Turkey. Its degrees have the same legal status as degrees from other Turkish universities.
Does Biruni University teach in English?
Yes, for selected programs, including Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, and Computer Engineering. Other programs are taught in Turkish. If you do not have an accepted score (for example TOEFL iBT 79), you take the university’s English exemption test when you arrive. Students who do not pass it study one year in the English Preparatory Program first.
How do I apply to Biruni University?
Choose a program in the table on this page and press Apply, or request a free consultation. You usually need your high school diploma and transcripts, a passport copy and photos. Final-year high school students can get a conditional acceptance letter before they graduate. Read more in our guide to applying to Turkish universities.
Does Biruni University offer scholarships or discounts for international students?
The university’s international pages do not publish a fixed scholarship scheme. Private universities in Turkey often offer discounts to international students, and an advisor will confirm the current offer for your program. For living costs, see the cost of studying in Turkey.
Apply to Biruni University with Lord Agency
Choose a program from the list on this page and press Apply to create your free student account, or request a free consultation and an advisor will check your documents, scholarship options and deadlines with you. You can also compare this university with our other partner universities or read our step-by-step application guide.
Full 2026–2027 fee table, dorm options and scholarship rates for Biruni University: see every program and price.